Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and bbq Boat Day

A bright-water day with lunch built in. This Mauritius outing combines Ile aux Cerfs, a beach stop, the GRSE waterfall, and a speedboat ride from Trou D’eau Douce. I like the clean, simple route: sea and sand first, monkeys and scenery next, then a grilled lunch with drinks before the ride back.

I also like the strong value at $64 per person, since the price includes the speedboat, waterfall visit, BBQ lunch, and a wide range of drinks. The main consideration is the fixed schedule. Your time on Ile aux Cerfs runs until 12:30, and the full day ends around 3:00 to 3:30, so this is a well-planned group outing rather than a slow, private island escape.

Key things to know before booking

• The day begins at 9:30 am from Trou D’eau Douce, with the speedboat taking you to Ile aux Cerfs.
• Ile aux Cerfs is your first major stop, with time to relax and walk toward Margenie Island.
• The GRSE waterfall includes a chance to see monkeys, including feeding activity.
• The BBQ lunch is unusually well supplied, with fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread with garlic butter, pineapple, soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and rum.
• Snorkeling is not included, and you need to bring your own towel and personal items.

Starting at Trou D’eau Douce at 9:30 am

Your day starts at 9:30 am from Trou D’eau Douce, a practical departure point for boat trips to Ile aux Cerfs. The speedboat takes you there and later brings you back, so you do not need to arrange separate island transport.

The timing gives you a full morning and early afternoon without turning the outing into a very long day. That matters in Mauritius, where a boat trip can be tiring under strong sun. You should arrive ready for heat, water, and sand, with sun protection and clothing that can handle spray.

The activity is listed as lasting one day, but the actual schedule is closer to a half-day outing. Expect the return to Trou D’eau Douce around 3:00 to 3:30 pm. That leaves part of the afternoon open for another plan, a hotel break, or a quiet meal.

Your first stop at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop, and it gets the best stretch of unhurried time. After the boat drops you off, you can relax until 12:30. You might spend that time on the sand, sit near the water, or take a walk toward Margenie Island.

The appeal here is freedom within a simple schedule. You are not rushed from one photo stop to another. The island gives you a chance to slow down, enjoy the sea, and choose your own pace before the waterfall and lunch portions begin.

Still, it helps to understand what this tour does not provide. Snorkeling and snorkeling gear are not included. If you want to snorkel, you will need to make your own arrangements, and the supplied information does not promise a snorkeling stop. The focus is beach time, not a full water-sports program.

I would also pack a towel, since towels are not included. A beach cover-up or light clothing can make the transfer between boat, shore, and lunch more comfortable. The tour includes sea, sun, and sand, but not the small personal extras that make a beach day easier.

Walking toward Margenie Island

The walk toward Margenie Island gives your beach stop a little more purpose. Instead of sitting in one spot for the entire morning, you can use the time to see more of the area at your own pace.

The exact walking distance and route are not specified, so keep your expectations sensible. This is described as a walk you can take during free time, not a guided hike. You should also remember that beach walks can feel longer in full sun, especially without shade or sturdy footwear.

For me, this part works best for people who want a mix of rest and light exploring. If you prefer constant activity, the open time may feel too loose. If you want a calm island pause before lunch, it is one of the better features of the plan.

At 12:30, return to the same place where the skipper dropped you off. That meeting detail is important. Do not wander too far or assume the boat will collect you from another beach. Keeping track of the pickup point avoids a rushed end to your island time.

The GRSE waterfall and its monkeys

After Ile aux Cerfs, the boat continues to the GRSE waterfall. This changes the mood of the day. You move from an open beach setting to a more compact natural stop, with the added interest of monkeys that can be admired and fed.

The monkeys are a memorable part of the outing because they make the waterfall visit more than a quick look at falling water. You may see them around the area, and feeding activity is included in the description. Keep your belongings secure and follow the skipper’s instructions around the animals.

The supplied details do not give a visit length or promise a particular number of monkeys. I would treat this as a short scenic stop rather than a full wildlife visit. The waterfall is part of a wider boat day, not the only attraction.

That variety is the real strength. Within a few hours, you get beach time, a walk, a waterfall, animals, and lunch. You will not spend the whole day doing one activity, which makes this a useful choice for first-time visitors trying to sample several sides of the east coast.

A generous BBQ lunch on the beach

After the waterfall, lunch is served grilled. The menu includes fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread with garlic butter, and pineapple. That is a solid spread for a beach BBQ, especially because it gives you more than one main food choice.

Drinks are also included: soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and rum. Super alcoholic drinks are not included, so do not expect a full bar service. The included drinks cover ordinary lunch needs, from water and juice to beer and wine.

The lunch adds real value to the price. A boat trip with several stops can look affordable until you add food and drinks separately. Here, the meal is part of the package, so the $64 price is easier to judge. You are paying for transport, scenery, food, and a range of beverages in one outing.

You should still keep your expectations practical. This is a BBQ lunch, not a restaurant meal with a broad menu or individual ordering. If you have strict dietary needs, the available information does not confirm special options. Ask before booking if that matters to you.

Afternoon beach time and the speedboat return

After lunch, you get another period to relax before the speedboat collects you. This second rest period keeps the schedule from feeling like one long chain of organized stops.

The return by speedboat is part of the package. You are not left to find your own way back from the lunch area. The boat ride also gives the day a clear finish, with arrival at Trou D’eau Douce expected around 3:00 to 3:30 pm.

The exact return time can vary within that window, so avoid booking something immediately afterward. A little breathing room is wise, especially if you have a transfer, dinner reservation, or another paid activity waiting.

The speedboat format should appeal to you if you want a lively way to move between stops. It is less suited to anyone seeking a quiet, private cruise. The description does not provide a group size, boat size, or seating details, so those points should not be assumed.

What the $64 price really covers

At $64 per person, the package is strongest when you plan to use all its parts. The included return speedboat, Ile aux Cerfs stop, GRSE waterfall visit, BBQ lunch, and drinks form a useful bundle.

The food and drinks are especially important. Fish and chicken provide choice, while potatoes, salad, bread, and fruit make the meal more filling than a basic snack. Water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and rum mean you are not paying extra for every drink at lunch.

The value is less clear if you only want a beach transfer. If your priority is spending all day quietly on Ile aux Cerfs, the waterfall and fixed lunch schedule may feel like interruptions. You are buying a mixed excursion, not a simple boat taxi.

The only rating information available gives the experience 4.8 out of 5 from three reviews. One verified booking from Nico in Germany, dated August 28, 2025, praised the price-to-experience ratio. That fits the package: the strongest selling point is how much is grouped into one modest fee.

Who should book this Mauritius boat day?

I would recommend it to you if you want a practical introduction to several popular sights around the east coast. Families, couples, and small groups who enjoy beach time but do not want to organize boats, lunch, and stops separately should find the format convenient.

It also suits people who like variety. You can walk, swim or relax at the island, see the waterfall, watch monkeys, eat a hot lunch, and return by speedboat. The day has enough structure to prevent wasted time, with enough free time to avoid feeling locked into activities every minute.

You may want another option if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should also think twice if you want guaranteed snorkeling, a private boat, a long island stay, or a highly customized meal. None of those features is included in the supplied details.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mauritius schedule is still changing.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs BBQ boat day?

Book it if you want good value and variety in one compact outing. The combination of Ile aux Cerfs, a waterfall, monkeys, speedboat transport, and a well-stocked BBQ makes the $64 fee reasonable.

Skip it if you want a private, slow-paced beach day or if snorkeling is your main goal. For everyone else, this is a straightforward way to see several east coast highlights without arranging each piece yourself. Keep your towel, sun protection, and pickup time in mind, and the day should be easy to enjoy.

FAQ

Where does the activity depart from?

The activity departs every day at 9:30 am from Trou D’eau Douce in Mauritius.

How long does the activity last?

The schedule runs from the 9:30 am departure until approximately 3:00 to 3:30 pm.

What places are visited?

The day includes Ile aux Cerfs, a walk toward Margenie Island, the GRSE waterfall, and the beach area where lunch is served.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The included BBQ lunch features fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread with garlic butter, and pineapple.

What drinks are included?

Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and rum are included with lunch. Super alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling included?

No. Snorkeling and snorkeling gear are not included.

Is a towel included?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.